Home By The Lee and JJ Slevin red win the Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle Grade 2 from Bob Olinger© Photo Healy Racing
Home By The Lee who hit the ceiling price in running, kept finding for J J Slevin, before powering up the hill to claim an unlikely victory in the Grade 2 Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle at Navan.
Hard at work from some way out, the Joseph O'Brien trained gelding looked to be holding his place on sufferance as the field turned out of the back straight. To his credit, he began to pass rivals, one by one, suddenly emerging as a place prospect on the run to the second last.
As early leader Flooring Porter dropped away, a rejuvenated Bob Olinger looked the most likely winner as he had yet to be asked a question by Rachael Blackmore.
All the while, Slevin got closer on Home By The Lee and when Bob Olinger was untidy at the final flight, the O'Brien trained winner found extra momentum which swept him to the front. From there, he stayed on strongly up the hill to record the most unlikely of wins.
Great credit has to go to J J Slevin, who never gave up, even when it appeared to most that he was fighting a losing battle.
Owner Sean O'Driscoll said: "Absolutely delighted. Coming to Co Meath in particular, I'll always remember 1967 when they took Cork out! So, bringing the trophy back from Meath is great!
"This was a serious race and serious horses, no hiding place.
"My son said to me this morning, if he'd finished his race in Down Royal the last day, he'd have been a different price this morning. He was absolutely right.
"I want to thank Joseph, Brendan and all the team and Davina who looks after him and Damien Byrne - he hasn't been an easy horse. We've had to be patient with him, he has his moments.
"I thought JJ Slevin gave him a superb ride. He hits a flat spot in all his races and thankfully he hit a flat spot in the first half a mile today. JJ gave him a reminder and everyone thought he was finished, but he was only getting going."
Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: "That is his strong point, staying. He's a three miler really.
"He had fitness on his side today and a great ride from JJ. He had a nice break from Down Royal where he was unlucky there.
"The one thing he does is hit this flat spot, but JJ knows him well and you'd have to say it was nearly ride of the season so far.
"We sent him chasing and he hasn't really taken to it. He's a very decent horse on his day. Before when he ran against Flooring Porter, he was only beaten seven lengths.
"I said to JJ that this track will suit him if he is on their tails."
Paddy Power introduced Home By The Lee into Stayers Hurdle market at 25/1.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
